One of the most common misconceptions we hear about industrial flooring is the idea that concrete is impermeable. This belief tends to lead people to install plain concrete floors in their industrial facility topped by epoxies or tiles – thinking it would save money – only to see their flooring wrecked within a matter of months or years.
The truth is, even the densest concrete formulation is not impermeable, and there is always the chance of liquids or gases making their way through the slab over time. This is why it is so critical that you use vapor mitigation for industrial flooring.
Why Vapor Mitigation For Industrial Flooring
Moisture vapor transmission (MVT) happens any time that water vapor, or other gases, make their way through a concrete slab to escape through the top. Sometimes it is the result of water still trapped inside the concrete after it dried, other times it is water or other liquids in the ground beneath the slab.
Either way, without protection or a vapor barrier, the vapor transmission will start eating away at the slab or any flooring materials above it. This tends to first show with tiles coming loose, or epoxy-style coatings forming bubbles. The liquids passing through may also de-laminate flooring materials, or liquefy the glue into a sticky substance which oozes out. Worst-case scenario, the concrete slab itself could become compromised, necessitating a complete re-flooring to restore the surface to a usable condition.
Fortunately, vapor moisture mitigation techniques and technology have evolved in recent years. With the right contractor handling your floor, you can avoid vapor barrier issues and have a floor that lasts for years with minimal maintenance.
How Vapor Moisture Mitigation Works
There are multiple processes, depending on the type of concrete mix as well as the nature of the ground beneath the slab. In many cases, this can be achieved with specially-formulated resin underlayments that lock remaining moisture within the slab. In extreme conditions, it may be necessary to have an additional layer of cementitious topping above the resin – effectively creating a new topping of cement which will remain moisture-free.
Once this is done, the resulting cement slab is ready to have epoxies or other floor coatings added without risking potential damage by vapors passing through the substrate.
Black Bear Coatings & Concrete has over 25 years of combined experience installing commercial and industrial floors that protect against wetness and provide maximum longevity. We value-engineer each solution individually, to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our skilled installers work with you to implement the right product – from cementitious and resinous coatings to mitigation services and surface prep.
Our team takes the time to fully understand how a flooring space is going to be used, and what factors can influence an industrial flooring system. We engineer solutions to withstand these elements and ensure a longer-lasting product.
Contact us today for a full consultation on your next industrial flooring project.
